Sylvester Stallone is standing by his belief that artificial intelligence is an unavoidable part of Hollywood’s future, even after his own proposal to use the technology for the upcoming John Rambo prequel drew criticism.

The 80-year-old actor, writer and director had pitched producers on returning as a younger version of Rambo, with AI used to de-age his performance. The role ultimately went to 30-year-old Noah Centineo.

Speaking to The Overlap, Stallone acknowledged that his position has proved controversial while arguing that the entertainment industry cannot prevent AI from advancing.

“I get in trouble for this [but] AI is here to stay,” Stallone said. “I wanted to do half-human, half-AI and put it together, and of course everyone’s going nuts. I go, ‘That’s happening, guys. People are selling their images. There’s going to be 20 Elvis avatars … This is happening.’”

Although Stallone defended his willingness to experiment with the technology, he also said the creative community’s concerns are justified.

“So I would take that risk, even though you get blasted bombastically from the creative community,” he continued. “And their [complaints are] right! They’re right. But we can’t stop this. It’s an avalanche. It’s just out of our control. If you don’t go with it, you will be trampled by it.”

AI’s threat to young performers

Stallone’s argument was not limited to what AI could offer established stars. He also addressed the challenges it could create for performers trying to enter an already difficult profession.

“You’ve just chosen the most difficult profession in the world,” he said. “And it’s going to get more difficult because of AI.”

Stallone connected that warning directly to his daughter, actress Scarlet Rose Stallone. “I said, ‘Please get into gaming. Do something [else],’” he recalled.

His comments present both sides of his position: Stallone believes AI can be used as a filmmaking tool, but he also recognizes that it may make opportunities harder to secure for the next generation of actors.

Two younger Stallones and Rambos headed to the screen

Centineo’s casting means Stallone will not play the younger Rambo in Lionsgate’s prequel. Titled John Rambo, the film follows the character as a young Green Beret serving during the Vietnam War.

Jalmari Helander, whose credits include Sisu, is directing. Stallone remains connected to the project as an executive producer, and the movie is scheduled for June 4, 2027.

Before that prequel arrives, audiences will see another actor portray a younger Stallone himself. Anthony Ippolito stars in I Play Rocky, a film about Stallone’s struggle to get his breakthrough movie made. Directed by Peter Farrelly, it is set to arrive Nov. 6.

Stallone also used the Overlap interview to discuss the performers he most admires. Asked to name the best actor or actress of all time, he chose Peter O’Toole and specifically highlighted O’Toole’s work in The Lion in Winter and Becket. Among contemporary actors, Stallone praised Tom Hardy.

ShowBiz Take

Stallone’s comments matter because they place a major creative question inside a project directly connected to his own screen legacy. His proposed AI-assisted return as a young Rambo did not become the prequel’s casting plan, but he is not retreating from the larger argument behind it.

At the same time, his remarks are not an unqualified endorsement. Stallone openly agreed that members of the creative community have legitimate complaints and warned that AI could make acting even more difficult for newcomers. That tension defines his position: he sees real risks, but believes resistance will not stop the technology.

What Happens Next?

The next younger version of Stallone will appear in I Play Rocky with Ippolito in the role on Nov. 6. Centineo will then take over as the young Green Beret in John Rambo, scheduled for release on June 4, 2027, with Stallone serving as an executive producer rather than returning through the AI de-aging approach he proposed.